In the vibrant landscape of Indian television, reality shows have carved a unique space, blending entertainment with participation, music, and celebrity culture. Among these, Start Music, a Tamil-language music competition reality show airing on Star Vijay and digitally streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, stands out as a consistent crowd-puller since its inception in 2019. With six seasons under its belt and a growing legacy, the show has become a touchstone of Tamil television entertainment, blending talent, strategy, and humor to appeal to a diverse audience.
The Genesis of Start Music
Start Music premiered on 26 May 2019, marking the beginning of what would become a long-running phenomenon in Tamil reality television. The series was conceptualized as a music competition reality show with elements of a game show, designed to test participants’ knowledge of music, memory, and improvisation, all while offering entertainment that could engage viewers both in front of the television and via digital streaming platforms.
The show was produced by Global Canadian Villagers, directed initially by Parthiban, and filmed in Chennai, employing a multi-camera setup to capture the dynamic energy of the competition. Each episode typically runs between 42 to 50 minutes, making it ideal for a Sunday prime-time slot—a strategic placement that ensured maximum family viewership.
From its earliest seasons, Start Music established a distinctive format where television serial actors, celebrities, and musicians form teams to compete in various musical games, including identifying songs, completing lyrics, and performing musical challenges under time constraints. Its mix of celebrity participation, humor, and genuine talent set it apart from conventional talent shows, emphasizing both entertainment and competitive spirit.
Hosts and Their Role in the Show’s Success
Central to the show’s charm are its hosts, Priyanka Deshpande and Ma Ka Pa Anand, whose rapport with the contestants and the audience adds a unique flavor to the series. Priyanka Deshpande, known for her engaging style and ability to connect with viewers, has been the face of multiple seasons, including Seasons 1, 2, 4, 5, and the upcoming Season 6. Ma Ka Pa Anand, with his witty commentary and comic timing, took the reins in Season 3, offering a different dynamic while maintaining the show’s high-energy vibe.
Their role extends beyond hosting; they serve as moderators, motivators, and entertainers, bridging the gap between contestants and viewers. Their ability to improvise, inject humor, and sustain the show’s momentum has been pivotal in maintaining viewer engagement across six seasons, a feat not easily achieved in competitive television.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Season 1 (2019): Laying the Foundation
The first season aired from 26 May 2019 to 10 November 2019, spanning 24 episodes. Hosted by Priyanka Deshpande, the inaugural season set the standard for the series. Contestants were drawn primarily from popular Tamil television serials, providing fans with a unique opportunity to see their favorite actors outside their scripted roles.
The season emphasized music-based games that tested participants’ knowledge of Tamil film songs, classical hits, and trending tracks. The engaging format, combined with humor and celebrity participation, made it an instant hit. While the season was foundational, it demonstrated the potential of Start Music to merge entertainment with competition in a family-friendly format.
Season 2 (2020–2021): Expanding the Scope
The second season began on 16 August 2020 and concluded on 25 April 2021, spanning 34 episodes. Once again hosted by Priyanka Deshpande, Season 2 capitalized on the show’s growing popularity, incorporating larger teams and more complex musical challenges.
This season also adapted to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating safety protocols without compromising the show’s energy. Notable features included interactive digital components, enabling viewers to engage with the show through online polls and social media, foreshadowing a shift towards hybrid TV-digital entertainment.
Season 3 (2021–2022): Ma Ka Pa Anand Takes the Helm
Season 3 aired from 10 October 2021 to 17 April 2022, comprising 26 episodes, and marked the first time Ma Ka Pa Anand hosted the show. This season distinguished itself with its high production value, creative set designs, and the inclusion of thematic episodes, where challenges were linked to specific film genres or musical eras.
Raja Rani 2, a popular serial, won the title in this season, demonstrating the close interplay between Tamil serial fandom and the music competition format. Anand’s humorous interjections and witty repartee added a fresh energy, appealing to both longtime fans and new viewers.
Season 4 (2023): A Return to Form
The fourth season aired from 26 March 2023 to 12 November 2023, spanning 32 episodes, and saw Priyanka Deshpande return as host. Directed by Durgadhasan, the season emphasized celebrity participation, creating memorable episodes such as the Ajith Kumar Birthday Special and thematic weeks like Romance Special and 80’s Star Nostalgia.
The season also integrated promotions and branding in a seamless manner, balancing entertainment with sponsorships without disrupting the flow of the show. The first promo, released on 10 March 2023, carried the slogan “Start Music I am very happy”, effectively creating anticipation and excitement among viewers.
Notable winners from the season included teams from Baakiyalakshmi, Cooku with Comali 2 & 3, and Soppana Sundari, each rewarded with cash prizes ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000. These victories not only brought bragging rights but also highlighted the competitive edge of the series.
Season 5 (2024): Expanding Celebrity Participation
Season 5 aired from 2 June 2024 to 22 December 2024, with 28 episodes, again hosted by Priyanka Deshpande. This season continued the trend of blending humor, music, and competitive elements while introducing larger celebrity teams and high-stakes challenges.
The first promo, released on 20 May 2024, used the slogan “The Universe First Show”, emphasizing the scale and ambition of the season. Episodes featured themed competitions such as Husband vs Wife, Mamiyar vs Marumagal, and Cinema’s Appa & Amma, combining family dynamics with musical games.
The season cemented Start Music as a platform where television stars could showcase versatility beyond their serial roles, appealing to audiences of all ages. Cash prizes, audience voting, and interactive digital segments ensured viewers were emotionally invested throughout the season.
Season 6 (2025): The Latest Chapter
The upcoming sixth season is set to premiere on 15 June 2025, with Priyanka Deshpande reprising her hosting duties. While details about specific episodes are yet to be released, expectations are high, given the show’s consistent track record and evolving format. Season 6 promises to continue the tradition of high-energy music games, celebrity participation, and innovative challenges while leveraging both television and digital platforms for maximum engagement.
Format and Competition Mechanics
Start Music stands out due to its innovative combination of music-based challenges, game show dynamics, and reality television drama. The format revolves around teams, usually formed from television serial casts, competing in rounds that test:
- Musical Knowledge – Participants identify songs from short clips or answer trivia about music history.
- Performance Challenges – Teams perform musical tasks, such as singing lyrics in a quirky or timed manner.
- Memory Games – Participants are tested on their recall of song sequences, film references, or thematic cues.
- Improv Elements – Teams are occasionally required to perform skits or act out musical clues, integrating humor and creativity.
The scoring system rewards accuracy, speed, and creativity. Cash prizes and trophies serve as incentives, while audience applause and host interactions provide entertainment value. This combination of competition and comedy ensures that Start Music appeals to a broad demographic—from school-aged viewers to adults familiar with Tamil cinema and television.
Notable Episodes and Celebrity Participation
Across its six seasons, Start Music has hosted an array of celebrities from serials, films, and digital platforms. Some standout episodes include:
- Ajith Kumar Birthday Special (Season 4, Episode 6) – A festive episode celebrating one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic stars, featuring special games and performances by celebrity guests.
- Cooku with Comali Specials (Season 4 & 5) – Crossovers with popular cooking reality shows added a layer of variety, challenging contestants in unconventional ways.
- 80’s Star Nostalgia (Season 4, Episode 17) – A throwback episode featuring veteran actors and music from the 1980s, blending nostalgia with competition.
- Mamiyar vs Marumagal (Season 5) – A family-centric episode showcasing the interplay of humor, strategy, and musical prowess.
These episodes highlight the show’s ability to adapt themes, celebrate cultural icons, and maintain relevance by incorporating both contemporary and nostalgic content.
Audience Impact and Digital Integration
One of the defining factors behind Start Music’s sustained popularity is its multi-platform presence. While Star Vijay remains the primary broadcast channel, Disney+ Hotstar enables viewers to stream episodes digitally, allowing access to a wider audience, including NRIs and Tamil-speaking populations globally.
The show’s integration of social media engagement—through promos, audience polls, and interactive segments—has created a participatory viewing experience. Fans actively discuss performances, cheer for their favorite teams, and share highlights on social media, reinforcing the series’ cultural footprint.
Additionally, by featuring popular television actors, Start Music taps into pre-existing fan bases, driving viewership through celebrity appeal. The combination of music, humor, and friendly competition ensures that episodes are replayable, sharable, and continually relevant.
Production Insights
Filmed in Chennai, the series utilizes a multi-camera setup to capture every nuance of the competition—from close-ups of contestants’ reactions to sweeping shots of the set and audience. The production team, including directors Parthiban and Durgadhasan, has emphasized high production values, ensuring that lighting, sound, and set design contribute to a visually and aurally engaging experience.
Each episode balances scripted elements (host commentary, game explanations) with improvisational moments (contestant reactions, comedic interludes), creating a dynamic and unpredictable show environment. Running approximately 42–50 minutes, the pacing is calibrated to maintain viewer engagement while allowing sufficient time for multiple challenges and celebrity interactions.
Cultural Significance
Start Music reflects the evolution of Tamil reality television, blending:
- Traditional music appreciation – Tamil cinema and classical music references are integral to the game challenges.
- Celebrity culture – Television and film actors appear in competitive, humorous, and relatable roles.
- Interactive entertainment – The digital-first approach allows fan participation, reflecting modern content consumption habits.
The show has also contributed to the Tamil television ecosystem by providing actors and musicians a platform to engage with audiences beyond scripted roles, fostering a closer connection with fans and expanding their public personas.
Conclusion
Over six seasons, Start Music has proven itself as a cornerstone of Tamil reality television, skillfully blending competition, music, humor, and celebrity engagement. Its consistent success can be attributed to the dynamic hosting of Priyanka Deshpande and Ma Ka Pa Anand, its innovative challenge formats, and its ability to adapt to both television and digital consumption trends.
With the upcoming Season 6 set to premiere on 15 June 2025, expectations are high. Fans anticipate fresh challenges, celebrity participants, and new ways to experience the joy of music-based competition. In an era where reality television constantly evolves, Start Music remains a shining example of how traditional media and digital platforms can merge seamlessly, delivering entertainment that resonates across generations.
Ultimately, Start Music is more than a game show—it is a celebration of music, camaraderie, and Tamil pop culture, creating a space where audiences, celebrities, and music converge in a lively, entertaining, and inclusive experience